GUIDE TO OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND IN THE FALL
Ocean City’s unique location means that fall land winter look a little different here than it does in other places. Where else can you go from the beach, to admiring the fall foliage in less than 20 mins. Another great thing about our location is that even though the official end to summer has come and gone, fall/spring are one of the best times for weather ( it stay’s in the 70’s/80’s well into the end of September). This is also a time of year where all the tourists and visitors clear out and you’re actually able to experience all the city has to offer without having to battle the crowds, which makes it perfect for those looking to experience the city like a local. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend trip, or a longer work/school-from-home alternative, what better time than now to start taking advantage of the best view around!
It always makes me so happy when you guys post about or share with me that you’ve used my OCMD Travel guide recommendations and I hope this guide to Ocean City in the off season does the same, as well as encourage local readers to come and explore all that OC has to offer year round.
- Explore some of the amazing restaurants open off season. Some of my faves are Liquid Assets, Annabelle’s, One Coastal Farm + Kitchen, Bad Monkey, Full Moon Saloon and Our Harvest!
SEE A FULL LIST OF RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING THE OFF SEASON HERE
-Go Golfing or Horseback ridding at one of the local farms. One of my favorites for an awesome trail ride experience (even for beginners) is Holly Ridge Farm, a short twenty minute ride from OC!
- Also twenty minutes away is Assateague Island, a protected barrier island off the coast of Maryland/Northern VA. It’s known for its beautiful uncrowded beach, walking and “hiking” trails and kayak/canoe paths that wind through marshland, dunes and pine forest. Assaeague is mostly known for being home to wild Chincoteague ponies, bald eagles and migratory seabirds. Its a great place to take a walk or bike ride, or bring your kayaks/canoes for a fun fall adventure.
- Who hasn’t dreamt of having a bonfire on the beach? Fall is the perfect time! Assateague Island is a great place for a relaxing night and you may even see some horses, or if you want a bit closer you can apply to get a permit from Ocean City. As much as we love the beach in the summer, there’s also something so fun about it during the chillier months. It makes for the perfect setting for bundling up in sweaters and roasting marshmallows while listening to the waves and still getting to enjoy the great outdoors.
treat yourself
- One of my favorite things to do is shop small and support some of the local boutiques. Ocean City is super fortunate to have so many amazing and cute boutiques and shops, with such sweet owners and employees! I highly encourage you guys to venture out and support some of the local businesses, they could use our help now more than ever and if you do, make sure to let them know I sent you and you might get a little extra treat! Some of my fave local stores are.
shopping: body double swimwear (they have a huge sale in the off season, as well as some fall basics and trendy styles) // Indigo octopus // Magnolia Rifle// Mint + Major // Innerbloom Floral// South moon under// Ish // raggamuffin// Beach Gypsy// Prickly Gal surf shop// bleached butterfly// fathom & co// Heart of gold Kids//Lilla Cavallo
spas: North & Coastal (hair/nails) // Andrea Bounds (skin/brows/lashes/makeup) // Shady Sun (at home + spray tanning) // SkincarebySuz (facial) // SkinFitness (facial)
dine ‘n play
-A fun activity we do on rainy nights out is bowling and playing games at Ally Oops indoor arcade and restaurant/bar in north OC! There’s also Mulligans in West OC that has billiards which looks fun!
-Paint night’s are a great activity year round, but especially once the temps start to drop. I personally have not been to a paint nigh but have seen great things about OC Paint Experience/ T.C. Sudios.
- Another fun activity rain or shine is to take a tour of Seacrets Distillery and seeing how some of their homemade vodka’s and Jamaican rums are made.
-Sip on wine or local beers at one of the many local wineries or breweries: After spending the summer sipping on cocktails at rooftop bars, there is something so cozy about heading to one of these local vineyards and breweries instead. They all offer a wide selection of locally made wine and beer and a knowledgable staff! Most allow you to bring your own games like boardgames and card games which is super fun!
Wineries: sip on wine in a heated igloo at Windmill Creek Vineyard , Salted Vine Winery , Costa Ventosa, Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery, Laytons chance
Breweries: Fin City, Burley Oak, Buzz Meadery, Backshore Brew, Dogfish Head, Sinepuxent Brewing Company, Revelation Craft Brewing, Tall Tales, Big Oyster, Crooked Hammock Brewery, 3rd Wave, Evolution Craft Brewing Co. & Public House
Local Events
-Check out the OC Chamber of Commerce for year round activities that are fun for all ages, like Wine on the Beach, O.C.toberfest and the Halloween Pet Parade.
- I recently launched Coastal Social Hour, a community of likeminded locals + seasonal visitors. We’re in the process of launching a Geneva Group chat, and are planning tons of fun events this winter so be sure to stay tuned to our IG for more updates!
- The must-do fall activity, especially on the shore is to check out one of the amazing local farms and go apple picking or pumpkin picking! There’s nothing like bring home some fresh goodies. Don’t forget to stop by and check out produce at one of the many local produce stands/farms or head to the Ocean Pines farmers + artisanal market on Saturday mornings for more of a one stop shop.
-Less than 30 mins from Ocean City is the historic town of Berlin, home to the movie Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts. It’s one of my fave places to do some shopping, shoot some pics, or take a stroll through downtown.
-Go deep sea fishing: Ocean city is home to some of the best billfish fishing in the world. White Marlin Open may be one of the biggest events, but the fun doesn’t stop in the summer. OCMD is a fisher’s paradise for three quarters of the year. Expect to see common species, like marlin, sea bass and bluefish as well as the addition of species like sea trout and Atlantic croaker. You can find these fish in areas close to shore, which include the bay areas, jetties and shipwrecks near the coast, so it’s a perfect time to give this activity a try. If you’re new to fishing, check out one of the many charters and expeditions available. Winter is one of the weaker seasons for many of the traditional catches in Ocean City. As the water cools, the fish begin to move south, but you can still find Striped bass as they move north and a few other species.
-Catch a football game: take a short drive up the road to Salisbury for a d3 football game. be sure to Check the football schedules for the seagulls.
- If ghost tours are your thing, take advantage of the haunted historical sites on the shore. Chesapeake Ghost tours offers ghost walks and tours in Ocean City, MD, Berlin, Pocomoke, Cambridge, Denton, and St. Michaels regularly. Berlin, MD is also home to several haunted sites which the Berlin Ghost Tour visits. This 1.5 mile Ghost Walk of historic Berlin, Maryland will include enchanting places like the Atlantic Hotel where a little girl is still interacting with people in one of the guest rooms.
Whenever you may be headed to Ocean City, Maryland, I hope you love it as much as I do. One year officially living here in the books, and this place still amazes me daily!
MORE OCMD POSTS:
ULTIMATE GIRLS GETAWAY WEEKEND IN OCMD
OCMD RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING OFFSEASON
DORCHESTER COUNTY, MD TRAVEL GUIDE